Just saw that the governor of New York weighing in on "Palestinian Protests" as if they are categorically unlawful. Also last week, hearings on anti-semitism on college campuses. (Was there a hearing on Islamophobia?) I am, a supporter of Israel and have been so decades before this became - for some, certainly not all - a right wing/Christian Nationalist/Zionist campaign. Driven by the horrible Hamas genocide, it seems outrage and emotion has overpowered our sense of nuance, parity, and fairness.
Why can't the anguished speak their minds? "War is Hell" is no excuse for barbarity - from either side. Being Palestinian doesn't make you a member of Hamas (if you claim it, it's on you. So, too, If you chant Death to America) or disqualify you from being upset at what is happening in Gaza. It certainly doesn't justify blanket crack downs on speech.Being pro-Israel doesn't blind me to the differences in its political spectrum or the history that has led some to the politics of exasperation and revenge. Nor to some of its failings. Because I support human rights for everyone, I am against movements that are driven by zealots, no matter to what "religion" they belong.
